Pinups for Pitbulls

Drexel grad DeirdreFranklin is giving pit bulls a better name through her non-profit Pinups for Pitbulls. Founded in 2005, the pooch-friendly 501(c)(3) fights pit bull stereotypes by educating people on the breed’s history and disposition, while shedding light on discriminatory laws. Franklin founded the organization after breed-specific legislation passed in Denver ordering animal control agencies to collect and euthanize registered pit bulls and related breeds.

“These weren’t dogs that had created harm or foul,” Franklin says, “they were just born as pit-bull-type dogs.”

“When I first started PFPB, I wanted to make a pinup calendar to create awareness,” says Franklin. “I never thought it would grow the way it has, nor did I think that people cared like I did about dogs.”

Franklin graduated from Drexel’s graduate program in public policy earlier this year. A lifetime advocate for pit bulls, she hopes to continue facilitating change and educating people about the furry friends she calls family.